“A sociological analysis of the lived experience of quasi-emergency service volunteers in Edinburgh”

Abstract

Prior to this research no in depth sociological exploration of quasi-emergency service volunteer existed. This research employs a phenomenological methodology in order to develop a detailed description of those individuals who volunteer for a quasi-emrgency service in Edinburgh. Emerging from the participants experience were four key themes surrounding experiences of volunteering, emotional labour, relationships with other emergency services and challenges emanating from a lack of funding. Participants report that, volunteering was beneficial to them in a number of ways; emotional management was an important aspect of their voluntary work; experiences with mainstream emergency services were varied and, similar to mainstream emergency service workers, a lack of funding was an existential reality.